U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary / Wikimedia CommonsSourcePublic domain, U.S. federal government workCommons contributor Star Garnet cropped the hearing image. DI stores that crop without further alteration.
Frederick M. Lawrence is a legal scholar, secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and a distinguished lecturer at Georgetown Law. He previously served as president of Brandeis University and dean of the George Washington University Law School.
We have documented 1 statement by Frederick M. Lawrence, in 1 case. Each statement below gives the quotation, its original source and a link to the full case.
Case updates
Want updates on Cornell's response to the Chi Phi allegations?
We'll email you if Cornell discloses more about its sanctions, if the civil suit or Ithaca's permit proposal moves forward, or when officials and students respond.
Important updates only. Free. Confirm your email to start. Unsubscribe anytime. How we handle your email.
Role at the time: Former Brandeis University president
Condemned
Statement summary
Lawrence criticized Cornell's handling of the case and argued that it should disclose more about the disciplinary response, while rejecting the suggestion that it was hiding behind FERPA.
“This thing seems to have broken down in lots of different ways, Jake.”
Open the original interview (opens in a new tab)The Lead with Jake Tapper: Cornell report and Frederick Lawrence interview, September 29, 2026 · CNNJason Carroll campus report and Frederick Lawrence interview, 17:34-17:39 Eastern.
Why we used this label
Relative to Cornell's disciplinary response, Lawrence criticizes its handling and lack of clarity about sanctions. Recognizing privacy concerns does not cancel his call for a fuller explanation.
Cornell says its investigation led to expulsions and suspensions. Critics say its response to the Chi Phi allegations was inadequate and opaque. The civil complaint mentions essays as a way to mitigate conduct, not as the only sanction.
